Mysore/Mysuru: Maintaining that Purandaradasa’s teaching methods and techniques should be the basis for learning Karnatak music, renowned music scholar Prof. R. Visweswaran said that it was the great saint Purandaradasa who introduced Talas that are hugely helpful for singers and music teachers.

He was speaking at the 18th anniversary of Sri Krishna Gana Sabha at Gokulam here on Thursday.

Pointing out that Purandaradasa and Thyagaraja were great saints and the anniversary of the Gana Sabha being dedicated to these two great saints, was a befitting tribute to them, he said  and added that Karnatak music was fortunate to have an imprint of the two great saints.

Hindustani singer M.S. Bhaskar said that and the erstwhile Mysuru Maharajas promoted culture and music in a big way, which later helped Mysuru become the cultural capital of the State.

City Hindustani vocalist Dr. M.S. Bhaskar was conferred ‘Kala Poshaka’ and ‘Kala Ratna’ awards and Sri Prasanna Vidya Ganapathi Mandali Charitable Trust (SPVGMC) – Mysuru, Secretary C.R. Himamshu was conferred ‘Shreshta Kala Poshaka’ award on the occasion.

Later, Singer M.S. Bhaskar presented a Hindustani concert. He was accompanied by Pt. Veerabhadraiah Hiremath on Harmonium and Ramesh Dhannur on Tabla.

Sabha President B.S.Sridhar Raj Urs and others were present.